SEC Media Days: Most noticeable absences for next week

The SEC announced an updated schedule for next week’s Media Days in Birmingham, Ala. Couldn’t help but notice some big names are missing.

For instance, no Arden Key from LSU. Arguably the SEC’s top returning defensive player and likely a top-5 pick for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Yeah, it’s understood that he took time off from the program and then returned this summer. Keeping him away from Birmingham is likely a move to actually keep him away from questions regarding his absence. But still.

No Hurts here

Oh, and the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, won’t be there. Understood that some coaches, like Nick Saban, feel the appearance at Media Days should be reserved for upperclassmen. I respect that, but, again, it’s 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Former Florida head coach Jim McElwain has signed a deal to join Jim Harbaugh's staff at Michigan as an assistant on offense. McElwain is scheduled to start work Sunday and will coach the Wolverines' receivers.

Arkansas State has filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami saying Miami has refused to reschedule a game that was postponed last September due to Hurricane Irma. The game had been scheduled for Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Ole Miss has filed its appeal of the NCAA committee on infractions' decision to ban football from the postseason in 2018, limit unofficial recruiting visits and cite the school for lack of institutional control in a case involving 21 violations.